r 




Class L__ 

Book 



-> Ti 



Copyright N°_ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



^ 



TO-DAY'S PICTORIAL STORY 



OF 



ALEXANDER CAMPBELL 



AND THE 



CHRISTIAN CHURCHES 




COPYRIGHT 1909 

BY THE R. W. JOHNSTON STUDIOS, Inc. 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 






iltttntt mxh IhtrpaH? 

TO GIVE THOSE WHO APPRECIATE THE CAMPBELLS 
AND THEIR APOSTOLIC LABORS SOMETHING OF 
BEAUTY AND WORTH TO CHERISH AMONG 
THEIR TREASURES, THIS WORK IS PRE- 
SENTED BY ONE WHO SEES THE MAN 
AND THE MOVEMENT FROM THE 
OUTSIDE, AND IS CHARMED 
INTO VENERATION 




©CLA252505 



Earlg Ifjtatorfl 



HE starting point for the life story of Alexander Campbell is near the village 

Oof Ballymena, in the northern part of Ireland. Just outside of its borders, 
was a humble cottage surrounded by a few acres of land, in which, more 
than a hundred years ago, two worthy young people, Thomas and Jane 
Campbell, began life together. Both were blessed with a noble ancestry, 
and brought into the home a treasure of more value than wealth or title, a deep religious 
purpose and sterling qualities of character. 

Thomas Campbell had descended from the valiant Scotch stock, the Campbells of 
Argyle, which covered itself with glory in the days of Scotland's political and religious 
struggles. 

At the time of the birth of their first-born, Alexander, in 1788, the future offered little 
encouragement to them. 

The early life of Alexander Campbell found its development in an intensely religious 
atmosphere, and in the family Christ was something more than a name. He was an 
abiding Guest, and his word was a treasure whose aroma filled the home with fragrance. 
A part of the home regime was the daily memorizing of the scriptures by the younger 
members of the family. 

The early schooling by his parents and later instruction in nearby academies proved 
only a partial success. For discipline, he was put to work on a farm, which proved to 
be no small factor in the making of the man, for under the invigorating influences of out- 
door life, he gained in health and developed that iron constitution that served him so well 
in the unremitting labors of later years. His father continued to personally superintend 
his education, and it was here at the fireside university that the genius of Alexander Camp- 
bell began to display itself. He accepted Christ, and accepted him for service, imme- 
diately uniting with the Presbyterian Church to which his father ministered. 

Misfortune after misfortune overtook his father's family, which, in the end, proved 
to be the leadings of Providence towards a complete preparation for the great work that 
was to consume his energies. After much prayerful consideration, it was finally decided 
that Thomas Campbell should immediately embark upon a voyage across the Atlantic, 
and as soon as a suitable location had been found in the New World, the other members 
of the family should follow. 

He left his native country in the spring of 1807 and proceeded to Western Penn- 
sylvania, where several of his old neighbors had located. During March, 1808, prepara- 
tions were completed for the family to join him, but owing to illness, they were detained 
many months, and again after embarking were shipwrecked, with' the result that they 



IV 



stayed in Scotland. This proved to be an opportunity for young Campbell to enter the 
University of Glasgow, and by his capacity for work in addition to his studies, helman- 
aged to defray his expenses teaching private classes in Latin, grammar, and arithmetic. 

On August 3, 1809, the family finally left for America. The father, Thomas Camp- 
bell, had provided a home in the village of Washington, Pa., where the family circle was 
happily reunited. 

Alexander now availed himself of every opportunity for self-improvement, and his 
desire to express his high ideals led him to contribute to the Washington Reporter. These 
writings brought about many an argument and conflict. 

At the age of twenty-two, Alexander seems to have taken a prominent part in public 
worship, and during the summer of 1810, preached his first sermon. 

To him, life was full of great problems, and the choosing of a wife who was to share 
in their solution was not the least serious business before him. During one of Thomas 
Campbell's visits at the home of Mr. Brown, he promised some favorite books, and later 
sent them by his son, Alexander. It was then he met Miss Margaret Brown, who became 
his wife on March 12, 181 1. Later this old home of the Browns was given to Alexander 
Campbell and his wife, Margaret, to induce them to stay along old Buffalo Creek, and give 
up new plans for Christian work in Ohio. 

Thus we have touched upon human interests in the life of this great man, which is 
told much more fully in Thomas Grafton's "Life of Alexander Campbell." 





PORTRAIT OF ALEXANDER CAMPBELL IN 1859 

From a Litho loaned by Mr. Wilkin 
The interesting scene in the background is of the first Bethany College Building 



VI 




THE CAMPBELL HOMESTEAD 



This venerable pile of buildings, old and new, was the home of the stranger and 
visitor in days gone by, more than any other spot in all this region — indeed there were 
few spots in all the world like it. People came here from far distant points, even Europe, 
not to stay a day or two, nor even a week, but for weeks and months, thus keeping the 
capacious old edifice occupied to its limits, and all this without money and without price; 
and this has been the spirit of the old home in which some members of the Campbell 
family have lived since 1811. The old portion of the house is entirely covered over with 
the newer parts, but is still in a good state of preservation. The foundation is excellent, 
and the weather-boarding of oak is sound ; all else is the same as when built. 



v: 



Even the nails that were made by a nearby blacksmith from iron brought over the 
mountains on pack-horses are sound. The ceilings are low and are covered with walnut 
(both side wall and ceilings). This now valuable wood is in perfect condition and is 
tongued and grooved same as our lumber is finished to-day; but all hand- work — a grand 
place in former days. It was built by an old millwright, who married a woman who had 
been rescued from the Indians. The front door of this small, old edifice remains as it 
was originally placed , opening into the hall of the big house ; great strap iron hinges that 
reach across it are of much interest to the visitor. In the old house — a very small part 
of the big mansion — Alexander Campbell was married March n, 1811. 

During the year 18 19, the big part of the home as you now see it was erected for the 
purpose of accommodating students and friends. It was called Buffalo Seminary then, 
and in years became Bethany, and it is the location of Bethany's first postofhce. 




THE NEW PARLOR 

Which is in the smaller building of this great dwelling house, was built in 1836. 
The original wall paper in this room (which was the newest thing of the times) is to-day in perfect condition and 

of great interest to all visitors. 



VIII 



It illustrates history and romance, and must have beguiled the fancy of many a guest. 
Old and young forgot their embarrassment by interest in these varied scenes, in which 
were idealized West Point pictures and ancient legends — all in quaint old colorings, 
and to-day this room is the charm of the great home. 

At the left is the door to the Garfield room, called so for memory's sake, as it was 
occupied for several weeks by James A. Garfield, then an active young man, interested 
in the great thought movements of the day, and a great admirer of Alexander Campbell. 
The door in the centre of the picture leads to the old dining-room, where it is possible 
to seat fifty guests, — it is a long room, quaint and beautiful, and suggests the generous 
hospitality of the Campbell family. The portrait at the right of the picture is that of 
Alexander Campbell. The scenic pictures above the piano are paintings by Mrs. Barclay 
made during times of foreign travel. All these treasures, together with great stores of 
old keepsakes, make one harmonious whole, the preservation of which is due to the thought- 
ful care of Mrs. Decima Campbell Barclay. 



MRS. BARCLAY 

Could I tell you individually what Mrs. Barclay is, and just what a wealth of good 
cheer and gentle spirit she has at heart to respond to your greeting, this brief sketch would 
not be necessary. 

Mrs. Barclay is the tenth child of Alexander Campbell, and wife of J. J. Bar- 
clay — a descendant of a family which, from the time of President Washington down to 
1865, held consular positions of much importance. Thirty years of their lives were spent 
in Alabama, being near neighbors to General Joe Wheeler; and for a number of years 
they owned and occupied the home of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, and now for many 
years they have occupied the old Campbell house, and due to Mrs. Barclay are the thanks 
and love of all the Christian Church for preserving and maintaining the grand old home 
in the way it was always known to have been kept. 




AN "AT HOME" PORTRAIT OF MRS. BARCLAY 



Who, on the second day of the Centennial, October 12, 1909, will celebrate her 69th birthday. On the day following, 
she will meet many of her old classmates of Pleasant Hill Seminary, some of whom she has not seen since 
graduation day, 1857. 



X 



In our picture, the old spinning-wheel may mislead some into believing that the use 
of it was one of her accomplishments. Perhaps it was — I don't know — but the wheel is 
an old treasure from out the old original house, now a small part of the big house, and, 
like herself, is one of the household treasures. Mrs. Barclay is entertaining, lovable, 
and altogether the dearest elderly person I have ever met. Show her how you appreciate 
her old keepsakes, and she will warm to you with all her heart; and from her you feel 
the spirit of the old day hospitality and realize much of what the old home must have 
been while the venerable sage of Bethany lived. 




VIEW TOWARD STUDY FROM PARLOR 
A scene expressive of culture and refinement. 



"Good works are much more wanted than good nations. Millions are consumed on the 
lusts of men for thousands that are laid up on deposit in the Bank of Heaven. 

Alexander Campbell 



X 




In the left of this picture is the favorite parlor chair of Alexander Campbell ; in the center, on the table, lies his Bible, 
written in eight languages ; on the right, the favorite chair of James A. Garfield, who spent many weeks at the 
Campbell home. Mr. Garfield was nominated for president by Archibald Campbell. 



"There is a fullness of joy, a fullness of glory, and a fullness of blessedness, of which no living man, 
however enlightened, however enlarged, however gifted, ever found or entertained one adequate 
conception. Alexander Campbell 



XII 




The above picture is of the house where the "Millenia] Harbinger" was printed for a 
number of years, and is still in a good state of preservation. It is owned by Mrs. Richardson, 
a relative of the Campbell family. In some of the rooms are worn places in the floor 
caused by continued work about the presses. The publication ceased as a regular issue 
about 1865. 

It is impossible to convey any adequate conception of Mr, Campbell as a preacher. 
He was not a sermon writer, and nothing but the barest outlines of a few of his sermons 
have been preserved. But even if we now possessed his discourses in full, they would 
fail to reveal the secret of the spell the great preacher was able to throw about his audiences. 
There is an element in the public address which, like the fragrance of the flower, cannot 
be preserved. The thoughts remain, but the personality of the thinker is gone. Our 
knowledge of one whose voice has long been silenced must come from those who have 
felt the power of his eloquence. 



XI 




THE CHURCH ROOM AS IT IS TO-DAY 
The pulpit is the same as in the Old Stone Church, which stood where the present one now is, and from it Thomas 
Campbell, Walter Scott, Isaac Errett, Alexander Campbell and others have preached. 




THE OLD BRICK CHURCH AT- BETHANY 



XIV 




On August 31, 1823, Alexander 
Campbell and others from the 
Brush Run Church organized the 
second church at Wellsburg, W. Va. 
Thos. Campbell was its first minis- 
ter, and his grandson, William, is 
at present a deacon. In 1848, the 
present building, shown in the cut, 
was erected. The congregation 
numbers about four hundred, con- 
tributes to all missionary enter- 
prises, and is in a prosperous 
condition. Francis M. Biddle is 
the minister. 



WELLSBURG CHURCH 



In the spring of 1850, while in the vicinity of Washington, D. C, Mr. Campbell 
r ceived a pressing invitation from both Houses of Congress to deliver an address in the 
Capitol. It is doubtful if such a scene has ever been witnessed in our National Capitol 
before or since. The House of Representatives was filled to overflowing. Here, after 
a hymn and prayer, Mr. Campbell was introduced and addressed the assembly from 
John 3:17: — "For God sent not His Son into the World to condemn the World; but 
that the World through Him might be saved." 



XV 



J*w 




THE STUDY AND WORKSHOP OF ALEXANDER CAMPBELL 
The "Block House" of the Great Restoration Movement 



A portion of a letter written by Alexander Campbell to his daughters: — "Next to 
my own personal and eternal salvation through my Lord and Savior, there is nothing 
on earth dearer to me than your present spiritual and eternal good. I wish you to be 
intelligent, pure, and influential on earth; loving and beloved as far as mortals like you 
can be. Be ornaments to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, respectful and respected, honor- 
able and honored, good and happy, as my daughters ought to be. On you all God has 
bestowed good mental capacities, powers of acquiring and communicating knowledge, 
fine feeling, and many excellencies, capable of much improvement, and of rendering you 
very useful in society. Now, let me say to you that you are thereby under great respon- 
sibilities, and let me remind you that you should seek to be more intelligent, more amiable, 
and more exemplary every day. I do not say this as though I did not think you as much 
so now as any of my wide and extended acquaintances, but because I wish you to be of 
unrivalled excellence." 



XVI 






Afr 






sSS ^teilwiii " ,i 









_x 



IAVPX4Sl 

I 

CCJ.LCCC 



<Y\< \.»VUVt.Vt ofj 



■1JT" 



THE 

WESTMINSTER ABBEY 

OF BETHANY 

In this beautiful plot, sur- 
rounded by a thick stone 
wall having no gate, is the 
burial place of many noted 
personages of early-day 
Bethany. 




7 


,. ',"., ' . ., 


.*-»> 7, 


■ 


f\h.7 


Ts<>5. ~>" 




..r rl, r , 


r l V- • 


>v„:.yv ,. 


,,■(,,- 1 




\.i. r -< 


'<r T -r.,l'„ 


„.,, " 




| '/■• V 


>■,„.,. 






r.- ' . 

i 


... r,, ,.,.,!. 


. r,i- 




/.- -' ■ 


' <; < 


■ ,, ff,. 




'■■ "■ . 


.. ,,,;, 


I. r 




/■■-' • 


*r-,-n+--<. 






' 


'■„.!. ■ 








XVII 




FINAL RESTING PLACE OF ALEXANDER CAMPBELL 



When Mr. Campbell was about to step down from the pulpit at 
the close of his last public address he said : 



"T)o you think that there is any standstill point in Heaven? No ; the 
soul is ever onward, thirsting for the fountains of righteousness that 
mak,e glad the city of God. " 



XVIII 



The first meeting-house erected by the Campbells and their associates is known as 
Brush Run Church. It was situated on the farm of William Gilchrist about two miles 
above the junction of Brush Run with Buffalo Creek. Its exact location as found to-day 
is about a half mile from any public road, on a high hill. 

Where the building stood is now entirely grown over with a small growth of trees and, 
but for a few visible blocks of limestone appearing mysteriously in regular lines, forming 
a rectangle, the location of this place would be difficult. 







VIEW OF THE GROUNDS WHERE THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH WAS ERECTED 



Quoting from Grafton's, "Life of Alexander Campbell," we read: "The first need 
of the new church was a meeting place. Thus far the meetings had been held wherever 
opportunity afforded, generally in the houses of its devoted members. But the steps 
recently taken made a fixed meeting place indispensable to the permanent success of the 
movement. The members, therefore, set to work diligently in the construction of a rude 
building at Brush Run. So rapidly was the work prosecuted by these willing hands, that 
by June 16, 1812, Alexander Campbell was able to preach his first sermon in the new 
meeting-house. 



XIX 




A CORNER TIMBER OF THE OLD CHURCH 



So poor were most of the members that they were unable 
to finish the interior of this modest frame building, and assem- 
bled in it for worship even during the inclemency of the winter, 
without stoves or other means of comfort. But the chill and 
cheerlessness of their surroundings found compensation in the 
ardor of their devotion and the warmth of their affection, 
which had been elevated above the love of party by the love 
of Christ. In 1844, after several years of disuse, the old 
church building was moved to the village of West Middletown, 
a distance of about four and a half miles, and was used as a 
blacksmith shop, store, postofnce, and for other purposes 
until now it is back of the main street and the property of a 
colored man. 




This frame building, now situ- 
ated in the village of West Mid- 
dletown, is the only relic of Old 
Brush Run Church. 



XX 




POOL ON BUFFALO CREEK 
The scene of Baptism of Alexander Campbell 



In the year 1884, Mr. A. E. Myers arranged a meeting with Mr. Alexander Hanen 
and William Keenan to locate the place of baptism of the Campbells and other members 
of the first church. 

It is described by Mr. Hanen, who on that memorable occasion was but a babe in 
arms, and was handed about while his father and mother were baptized. The mother of 
Mr. Hanen had often pointed out to him during his childhood and youth the exact loca- 
tion at which she and his father were baptised. Although the big sugar tree has disap- 
peared and the bank of the creek is somewhat worn away, yet near by is the old mill race 
and the pool as landmarks of the scene. 



XXI 



Peasant Ijttl §^mmarg 



Founded in 1842 by Mrs. Jane Campbell McKeever, a sister of Alexander Camp- 
bell, it was for years the foremost school for girls among the Disciples. 

Aunt McKeever, as she was familiarly called by the young ladies, was a fine instruc- 
tress and was well versed in the Bible, which was a daily study in the school. At first, 
she was assisted by James Campbell and an able corps of teachers, afterwards by T. C. 
McKeever, who succeeded her as principal, followed by Mrs. McKeever, his wife, and 
Miss McVeigh. Hundreds of young ladies were graduated from its old halls well equip- 
ped for life's work intellectually and morally. Emma McGrew. 




PLEASANT HILL SEMINARY. HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP 
T. C. McKeever, Principal 

From old engraving loaned by Mrs. Wilkin 



XXII 




THE SITE OF SEMINARY AS IT IS TO-DAY 



Much of interest could be told of Old Pleasant Hill Seminary and its influences on the 
community about West Middletown. School-day stories are plenty, and at the reunion of 
former students, Oct. 13, '09, at Mrs. Evans', it is hoped that we shall hear many of them. 

During antebellum days, the McKeever home was one of the underground stations, 
and it is told that upon Mrs. McKeever's remark to her husband, "Matthew, our bread 
disappears so fast," he replied, "Yes, dear, we have a large family." (There were some 
fifteen negroes in the barn at the time.) Descendants of some of these colored travelers 
are to be found in West Middletown to-day. 

Matthew McKeever, husband of the founder of the seminary, was a great wool- 
grower, often owning thousands of sheep at one time. Once he sold $40,000 worth of 



XXIII 



wool, and through trickery never received the money. Such was the fortitude of Mrs. 
McKeever that she only smiled and went on with her duties. 'Tis told that women from 
Pittsburg came out to sympathize with her but were confronted with such a cheerful 
person that they went away without mentioning it. 

Mr. McKeever was for many years associated with John Brown (of Harper's Ferry 
fame), who shared in the sheep-raising profits. During many years before the seminary 
was built, the church people met in a large brick wool-house of Matthew McKeever 's. 
Besides their own family of nine children, they raised and educated twelve others and 
many more were given instruction in the school free. 




£3>m IGtbrarg lutlimg 



The new Carnegie Library building, for which Andrew Carnegie generously donated 
$20,000, has been completed and opened for the use of students. This elegant building, 
constructed of brown pressed brick, with Berea sandstone trimmings and finished in the 
interior with polished oak and yellow pine, adds much to the equipment of the college. 
The building is 95 feet in length and 62 feet in extreme width. On the first floor is a large 
assembly and banquet room. This floor is supplied with kitchen, range, etc. The second 
floor is given over to the library proper. It contains book or stock room, reading rooms 
and toilet rooms. The third floor has four beautiful rooms. One of these is occupied 
by the Adelphian Literary Society, another by the Christian Associations, a third room is 
used for mechanical drawing. The friends of the college are enthusiastic in their expres- 
sions of appreciation both of the usefulness and beauty of this library. 





'RESIDENT T. E. CRAMBLET 



W. K. PENDLETON 

The First Vice-President— Active during the time of 
Alexander Campbell. Much of the early day suc- 
cess of Bethany is due to his ability as a teacher and 
manager of business affairs. 



Nmi feljang 




1909 VIEW OF BETHANY 




PENDLETON HEIGHTS 
Residence of President Cramblet, formerly the home of President W.K.Pendleton. It was built in 1841. In 1872 
remodeled to correspond with the architecture of the college building, which was designed by Mr. Pendleton. 
It is now the property of the trustees and constitutes a presidents' home. 




THE COLLEGE PROMENADE 



XXVI 



ifxnm Jfellabttrg ta ifettjana 




This is no longer the 
tedious trip of seven 
miles by stage as it 
used to be, for now the 
student, visitor, or 
farmer enjoys the beau- 
tiful, comfortable ride 
by trolley. All the 
changes and many 
others in Bethany and 
elsewhere are due to 
the untiring efforts of 
President T. E. Cram- 
blet, now beginning his 
ninth year of service at 
Bethany College. 



THE OLD TUNNEL— THE 
NEW TROLLEY 



THE 

OLD 

MILL 

ALONG 

BETHANY 

PIKE 




XXVII 



Uptfjany 




The village of Bethany is situated in Brooke county, West Virginia, seven miles south- 
east of Wellsburg, fifteen miles north of Wheeling, and forty miles south of Pittsburg. 
Trolley cars leave Wellsburg for Bethany every hour from 6 a. m. until u p. m. Bethany, 
from the beginning, has been famed for its picturesque and inspiring scenery. It possesses 
a fascination that delights the student while here, and remains with him a precious memory 



through life. 



The moral atmosphere is unusually healthful and stimulating. 



BETHANY'S HISTORY 

The charter for Bethany College was procured from the Legislature of Virginia in 
1840, by John C. Campbell, of Wheeling. The establishment of an institution for the 
promotion of higher Christian education was for many years the cherished purpose and 
desire of Alexander Campbell, the illustrious founder. When he was fifty years old he 
published in "The Millennial Harbinger" the plan of the institution, which, a little later, 
he inaugurated at Bethany. The first session of the college began in 1841. Mr. Campbell 
insisted that, as the Bible is the basis of the highest and truest culture, it should form an 
integral part in college education. For a long time Bethany was the only college in America 
using the Bible as a text-book. Until recent years the great majority of colleges and many 
theological seminaries had no place in their courses for the practical study of the Bible. 

In the sixty-seven years of her history more than eleven thousand young people have 
received training in the halls of " Old Bethany." More than one thousand of this number 
have graduated from the institution. Bethany is proud of her alumni. They are to be 
found in almost every State of the Union. They are to-day filling, with credit to them- 
selves and their Alma Mater, honorable and responsible places in all the learned professions. 
Glorious as has been the past, the friends of Bethany confidently look for greater things 
in the years to come. With a larger endowment than ever before; with the buildings in 
better condition than in a score of years ; with hundreds of friends in all parts of the land ; 
there shall be glorious years yet for this mother of great men, this mother of colleges, this 
cradle of one of the mightiest religious movements of modern time. 



XXVIII 




The college owns seventy-five acres of land overlooking the beautiful Buffalo creek. 
A coal mine on the college land provides fuel for the heating of the buildings. Bethany 
Water Works supplies reservoirs on the hillside to the northeast of the college. From 
these, water is piped into the buildings. With pure water, wholesome food, health of 
surroundings, and comfortable buildings, one may claim for Bethany all the advantages of 
a present-day health resort. The main college building stands on an elevation in the 



XXIX 




center of an attractive campus. It is an imposing structure and is well adapted to the 
purpose for which it is used. To the south of the main building stands Phillips Hall, a 
modern and well equipped boarding hall, for young ladies. This building is heated with 
steam, lighted with electric lights, and has water and sewerage on each floor. It affords 
accommodations for sixty young ladies. To the north is Pendleton Heights, the beautiful 
home of the President. This building, recently repaired, is supplied with a hot-air furnace 
and electric lights. The Young Men's Dormitory stands at the south end of the main 
college buildings. It is a modern, three-story brick structure with forty rooms. The 
building is supplied throughout with steam heat, electric lights, bath, sewerage, and all 
modern conveniences. In all respects this is one of the most comfortable homes for young 
men to be found among our educational institutions. Directly west of the college tower 
stands the new gymnasium. This is a building 70 feet by 42 feet, and is wholly adequate 
to the needs of the student body. 



XXX 




A SCENE ON BUFFALO CREEK, NEAR THE MILLQDAM 









®lj? iEittttmg ijgmn 






COFTLY 
^ Down 


steals 


the failing light 






the ch 


tambers of the West, 






Sweetly 


doth the 


shade invite 






From 


our cares 


and toil to rest. 












Nature now with soothing tone 












Whispers "Man, 'tis time for prayer, 












Bow thee with thy God alone, 












Pour thy vesper offering there." 












Father, guide us while the 


night 








Darkly round her 


course 


fulfills, 








Wake us when the 


mornir 


ig light 








Smiles above the 


Eastern 


hills. 



NOV 23 1W9 



R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS CO., PRINTERS 
CHICAGO AND PITTSBURGH 






:* 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



019 566 837 1 



w 



%J?fc 







' 



%&! 



^^9t* 



*¥%&. > 



ir% 



^ 




"#? 






''fas - 












Hi 



355. 



